Metal-complex ionosilicas: Cationic mesoporus silica with Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes in their framework

Metal-complex ionosilicas with cationic complexes into the mesoporous silica framework were prepared using anionic surfactants. The electrostatic interaction between the anionic surfactant and the cationic metal complexes incorporated in the silica framework allows for the fine tuning of the mesoporous structure. The gentle procedure of synthesis developed and mild ion-exchange extraction of the surfactant, allowed a cleaner route for the immobilization of homogeneous cationic catalysts in mesoporous silica, while protecting the structural and chemical integrity of the metal complexes.

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► The first example of a cationic complex incorporated into the structure of a mesoporous silica material using anionic surfactants and following a S− N+ I− mechanism.
► A Versatile synthetic strategy for the incorporation of large amounts of metal complexes (48 wt%) in highly porous materials (440 m2/g).
► Metal complex does not block the porosity of the material.